Starting chemo tomorrow

Hello

I have had all of the checks and tests necessary and I start chemo tomorrow morning. I am truly frightened at the thought of the chemo, especially as I have had to read of all the possible side effects.  Some are as frightening as the cancer.  I swing between cancelling the chemo because I convince myself the surgery was enough, but then I think I should have it and worry what damage the chemo will do to me.  I am starting on 4 rounds of EC chemo, three weeks between cycles, followed by 12 weekly infusions of Paclitaxel.

I do know I must have this, but it is so hard when you feel healthy and know that the treatment is likely to make you so unwell.

Rags2Bags xx

  • Hi there ..

    I know our journey is like the scariest rollercoaster ever invented ... but go on other threads and you'll see loads on here ... all different cancers.. different treatments and stages ... but wer all on that same rollercoaster as you ... just look round .. so hold on tight .. it's a bumpy ride ... and it's not a walk in the park, but it is doable .. some sail through ... some have good days and bad days ... everyone is different ..

    But there's a few on here going through chemo or radiotherapy and yet still come on to chat to others through their treatment .. you know what the word brave means ???  It's being scared witless but still doing what you have to anyway... that's true bravery ...

    Think of tomorrow, and get a pair of vertual boxing gloves and think of it like your gonna get in the cancer boxing ring... look cancer right in the eye and get ready to kick it's *** .. l look at my total right masectomy scar and it tells me of my journey .. and you know I may have lost a boob, but in return got something far more precious.... time .. and I was scared before my op, and like you wanted to run .. but 2 years down the road I'm still here and doing well...and mine was a grade 3 ..

    Keep in touch .. you can come on here to vent, or chat ... or anything ... so sending you a vertual hug..Chrissie xx

     

  • Thank you Chrissie

    I appreciate you taking the time to give me the encouragement.  I'm sure it will be easier once it starts, but it's just so hard waiting for it to begin.

    I too had a mastectomy, grade 3.

    Sending virtual hugs back

    Rags2Bags x

  • Hi rags reading the list does not help some people have no side effects at all it varies with everyone., if you do have any side effects the nurses will know how to make things easier for you, Cemo is not nice but its there for a reason if you don't have it thares a chance of C sells still being in your body and they could go anywhere, up to you though,.

    Billy 

  • Thank you Billy, I am sure you are right. I know I will have the chemo. It’s just the build up to it that is making me a little crazy. I am ready now and just want to get on with it.

    Rags2Bags

  • Hi rags don't get to hyped up might put your blood pressure up and then they have to cancel like you say worst thing is waiting best wishes. 

    Billy 

  • Hello, I know how you feel.....right upto having the cannula in I was tempted to rip it out and scarper.....but do you know what? The actual chemo day is fine, they pump you with enough stuff to be able to cope......I had a friend who used to feel completely ok, and would go and have a burger straight after! 

    I purposely didn't read up on all the side effects....I decided to deal with things as and when and if they came up.....

    i promise you will be fine, they really look after you....get that first cycle out of the way.....and chriss is spot on.....brave is being scared out of your mind...but going ahead anyway....      it's the fear of the unknown.......honestly, once you know the score you will just crack on with it..... xxxxx

  • Thank you Marlyn, that makes a lot of sense. I will just try and focus on one cycle at a time. Best wishes to you x

  • hi

    Just thought I would pop on. I know how you feel I had my first cycle 2 weeks ago and was bricking it. It was a bit of an anti climax to be honest, my husband and I watched a movie and I had some lunch and the came home and went to sleep. I decided to deal with the side effects as they happened and there’s a help line to call if you are worried about anything.  My side effects were pretty mild, touch wood they will be the same next week when I go In For round two.

    You can do this, you are braver and stronger than you know. Let me know how you get on.

    X

     

  • Hello woolylamb

    I have just got home and, touch wood, so far so good. I had worked myself up into a bit of a lather about it all, but today went pretty much as you have described. I am tired, but think that is from the stress, I imagine the chemo tiredness may kick in tomorrow. I feel much happier now we have got the first one out of the way.

    many thanks for getting in touch and all the best to you x

  • Well done love, a relief to get the first one ticked off.......rest up xxxxx